31st October 2018

Cinema ● Theatre ● Comedy ● Arts ● Music ● Food & Drink

WEEKENDER southwark & lambeth

November 2018 www.weekender.co.uk

IT’S A GUY THING

Countdown to Christmas

2018

WHERE TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS

Our handpicked festive guide to what’s on around Lambeth & Southwark

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November 2018 15

Pantos, events & gifts in our Countdown to Christmas guide

2 November 2018

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Pick of the

Month

Star gazing, a new vegan pop-up and the world’s best bar… on the south bank

By Laura Burgoine

Holding Due North - Jake Mosher STARS IN THEIR EYES

Editor: Laura Burgoine

Photo fans will be over the moon with the National Maritime Museum’s latest exhibition. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year winning images are on display along with other astrophotography that’s out of this world.

Snaps include several close-ups of the Milky Way, an Aurora, Saturn in portrait, the international space station and a full moon lit up like a Christmas tree.

Tickets: £9 adults, £5.85 children. www.rmg.co.uk

T

HE WEEKENDER is an independent newspaper, covering Lambeth, Southwark, Greenwich & Lewisham.

We cover all things arts, entertainment, culture and news.

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If you have a story, please get in touch.

The Weekender is published by Southwark Newspaper Ltd - an independent newspaper publisher, based in Bermondsey, south London.

Weekender Editor: Laura Burgoine Advertising Manager: Tammy Jukes Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising team: Southwark & Lambeth: Tammy Jukes Greenwich & Lewisham: Liz Gold Recruitment & Education: Nancy Simpson & Clarry Frewin Sales support: Katie Boyd Reporters: Michael Holland; Holly O’Mahony Design Manager: Dan Martin Design team: Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn

HAVING A GIRAFFE It’s stand up, straight up at Theatre Peckham with a new comedy night that’ll only cost you a fiver. The series launches on November 9 (8pm) with Best Newcomer Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Adam Hess. 221 Havil Street, SE5 7SD. Admission: £5. https://straightupproductions.com AS TIME GOES BY VEGAN POP-UP This autumn sees the opening of Clapham’s first vegan pop up restaurant. The Meet is serving indulgent plant-based comfort food like jerk tofu, and black bean, plantain and jackfruit chilli, paired with vegan cocktails including the rhubarb and vanilla custard martini and the Vegroni. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the Meet offers a selection of small sharing plates, burgers, late night bites, and bottomless vegan brunch and Sunday roasts on the weekend.

Launching November 2 at Fu Manchu, 15-16 Lendal Terrace, SW4 7UX. www.the-meet.co.uk.

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OF ALL THE GIN JOINTS, IN ALL THE WORLD The south bank’s Dandelyan has been crowned the World’s Best Bar. Competing against bars from 26 cities across 20 countries, the south bank watering hole nabbed the top prize at the World’s 50 Best Bars awards.

Created by innovative cocktail creator and bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, Dandelyan brings a stylish neighbourhood vibe to the glamour of the Mondrian Hotel, with sustainability and nature at its heart. Since opening in September 2014, Dandelyan has launched five cocktail menus all with a focus on botany. We’ll drink to that! 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD. www.dandelyanbar.com

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The OXO Tower’s free exhibition the Gift of Time marks the 80th anniversary of the Royal Voluntary Service and will display never before seen archive images of volunteers alongside new portraits taken by celebrity photographer and Britain’s Next Top Model judge Nicky Johnston. Founded in 1938 as the nation prepared for war, the Women’s Voluntary Services (as it was formerly called) galvanised over a million women to volunteer to support on the home front.

From evacuating children to running air raid precautions, the ‘women in green’ were central to Britain’s defence and resilience.

Today, Royal Voluntary Service continues to be one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 20,000 volunteers supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals and in the community. October 31-November 5 from 11am6pm daily. Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, SE1 9PH. Admission: free. www.oxotower.co.uk

November 2018 3

Spotlight

IT'S A GUY THING S

parks are set to fly as we all remember remember the fifth of November. On this day in 1605, Gunpowder Plot member Guy Fawkes got nicked at the House of Lords for attempting to blow up the king.

This year, there’s fireworks displays, bonfires and circus in celebration of the nation’s favourite royal Fawke-up, writes Hannah Kanik...

SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR The 15th annual fireworks night returns to Southwark Park with food and drink stalls, entertainment and a fireworks show “uniquely synchronised to music.”

This year promises to be “spectacular” according to Cabinet member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities Cllr Rebecca Lury who said “ I hope to see as many local people and families taking advantage of their free tickets and enjoying this year’s wonderful community event.”

Tickets are available on a first come first served basis.

Southwark residents can reserve tickets for free at www.2.southwark.gov.uk/ fireworks Southwark Park. 5 November at 5pm. Admission: Free for Southwark residents, visitors pay £8.50 for adults, £2.50 for children.

ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS IN TOWN The Lambeth Fireworks Display returns for its second annual stint at Brockwell Park, designed and created by the 2018 British Fireworks Championship finalists.

The first display starts at 6:45pm, choreographed to the soundtracks of family friendly movies the Greatest Showman, Frozen, Moana and Trolls.

The second display, the Time Tunnel, starts at 8pm and features singalongs to ‘80s hits and modern day music, with artists ranging from Whitney Houston to Ed Sheeran.

Organizer Rob Westworth said “with this year’s Lambeth Fireworks display set to be one of the longest and most dramatic in London, we believe it will rival the other big-hitter displays, putting it on the map as one of the best

4 November 2018

shows in town.”

Brockwell Park, 3 November at 5pm. Admission: Early bird £8.50 for adults, £4 for children.

CIRCUS, ICE RINK, DJ NORMAN JAY… AND A BONFIRE This year, Alexandra Palace is teaming up with the Bristol-based Cirque Bijou and the Bullzini family to celebrate 250 years of circus alongside Guy Fawkes Night.

There’ll be a fireworks display, circus performances and a Friday Night DJ performance from Norman Jay MBE. The two-day celebration will also feature a bonfire both nights, an ice rink, Family Zone and the UK’s largest German Bier Festival. Live music will take place both nights with a Queen tribute band on

firework displays for Guy Fawkes Day in London, attracting 80,000 visitors annually.

Blackheath, 4 November at 12pm.

Admission: free. The display starts at 8pm and will feature its famous aerial

Friday and a Take That tribute band on Saturday night. StrEATlife returns to the event, bringing over 50 vendors to provide food, craft beers, mulled wine and cocktails for guests.

Early bird tickets are £7 for adults, £5 for kids and £1 for children under 10. www.fireworks.london Alexandra Palace, 2 November at 5pm and 3 November at 4pm.

Admission: £7 for adults, £5 for kids (11- 15), £1 for children 10 and under.

BLACKHEATH BANGERS The longstanding Lewisham fireworks display returns for a night of food, drinks and family fun.

The event is one of the few free

fireworks that fill the sky and can be seen from East London.

There will be a funfair starting at 12pm and food and bars from 5pm.

THE BIG BEXLEY BANG The Welling Round Table is hosting a fireworks display in Bexley with gates opening at 6pm and the display starting at 8pm.

The show is 25 minutes long and will be choreographed to music and set over the lake. There will be a fun fair, food vendors and refreshments available as well. All profits from the event go towards the Welling Round Table Charitable Trust to serve the local community.

Danson Park, 3 November, 6pm. Admission: £6 for adults, £4 for children (5- 15), free for kids under 4. Tickets available at: dansonparkfireworks. co.uk

AN OLD ALLEYNIAN BONFIRE The Dulwich Sports Club is hosting a family-oriented bonfire and fireworks night with food and beverage stalls, a bonfire, BBQ and more.

Adult tickets are available for an early bird discount at £8 and will be £10 at the door. Free kids tickets can be reserved as well.

The first 500 kids through the door will receive a free light rope.

Dulwich Sports Club via Old Alleyn Club, entrance at 83-85 Burbage Road, SE24 9HB, 3 November, 7pm.

Admission: £8 for adults, kids free. www.eventbrite.co.uk

CATHERINE WHEELS FOR CHISTLEHURST Join the annual Chislehurst Rotary Club to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day in their traditional explosive celebration that attracts over 6,000 people. There will be a kid’s funfair for those under 12 and a variety of international food stalls on Chislehurst Recreation Grounds.

Award winning Phoenix Fireworks is providing the fireworks for the main show which is set to start at 7pm.

Local dance academies are holding stage performances before and after the main firework show.

Funds raised at the event are donated to local charities such as the Kent Air Ambulance, Kent Association for the blind, Demelza House, Bromley’s Womens’ Aid and the British Heart Foundation.

Tickets are available at select local shops and online at an advance discount of £9 for adults and £4 for kids. At the gate the tickets will be £10 for adults and £5 for kids.

Chislehurst Recreational Ground, Empress Drive, 3 November, 5:30 pm. Admission: Early Bird £9 for adults, £4 for kids THE PALACE LIGHTS UP Crystal Palace is holding its annual fireworks show on 5 November, with gates opening at 6pm. The childfriendly show starts at 7pm and won’t be as noisy as the late event. The second show is at 8:30 combining fireworks and choreographed lights. There will also be a large selection of food and drink available for purchase.

Tickets must be purchased before the show online at www.crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk There is a reduced price of £8.50 for adults and £4.50 for children until 31 October. After that date, prices are £9.50 for adults and £5.00 for kids.

Crystal Palace Park, 5 November at 6pm. Admission: Early Bird £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children BATTERSEA BONFIRE This year, Wandsworth Council is putting on a 22-minute long firework show for Guy Fawkes Day. The gates open at 6pm, the bonfires are being lit at 7:30pm and fireworks start at 8pm. Guests are encouraged to go to Circus West Village at Battersea Power Station during the night to check out the offering of new bars and restaurants. www.eventbrite.com Battersea Park, 3 November at 6pm. Admission: £10 for adults, kids under 10 are free.

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November 2018 5

Thurs 1st Nov, SW2

Brixton Buzz

Gig guide

Cryptic Street at The Windmill 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton, SW2 5BZ, 8pm, £3 A self proclaimed riot, Maltese postpunksters Cryptic Street have flown in to ‘rock your patriarchal ears and mess with your brain,’ and play tunes from their enchantingly entitled upcoming album, ‘Titty Monster.’

Weds 14th Nov, SW9

Brixton Late Night Jam at Club 414 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, 10pm-3am, £3 The original Brixton Wednesday late night music session at the 414 is a great place to listen to talented local musicians, and maybe step up on stage to take a turn.

Expect to hear a stirring selection of jazz, and reggae till very late in a super friendly venue.

Thurs 15th Nov, SW9

Newschool at the Dogstar Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LQ, 8pm-10pm, Free Billed as an “under-the-radar destination for London-based musicians that focuses on musicianship instead of buzz,” the weekly Newschool night has already uncovered some stunning new young singer/songwriters. The intimate setting in the Dogstar Ballroom has already attracted a growing and appreciative crowd, keen to hear new acts.

Recommended.

Fri

2nd Fri 2nd Nov, SE27

Bukky Leo & Black Egypt at The Portico Gallery 23a Knights Hill, SE27 0HS, 8pm. £10 The Mambista! Gang celebrate their 4th anniversary at the Portico Gallery with DJs jostling the 45s and a live performance by Bukky Leo & Black Egypt, celebrating the music of Fela Kuti. Bukky Leo can claim to be the missing link between Afrobeat and Acid Jazz, having played with Fela and been signed to the iconic Acid Jazz label.

Sat 3rd Nov, SW9

Just Vibez at Pop Brixton 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ, 7pm11.45pm, Free Just Vibez bring their always-bubbling blend of Hip Hop, Soca, Reggae and Dancehall to the outdoor space of Pop Brixton.

November

Elasticated Waste Band at Effra Social 89 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF, 9pm-1am, Free

This free show features the thigh-slappin’, banjo pickin’, Howlin’ Slim harmonica lickin’, ukelele flickin’, fiddle diddlin’, croonin’ and swoonin’ Elasticated Waste Band taking to the stage at 10pm with DJs playing good-time party tunes till close at this brilliantly quirky venue. Stepping into the former Conservative social club is an experience in itself, with the garishly wallpapered walls, dusty trophies and well-worn furniture oozing 1970s period detail.

61 New Park Road, Streatham Hill, SW2 4LA, 8pm-1am, Free Hosted by fast-rising local musician Ese, this jam session sees talented local musicians and singers take to the stage in a laid back and friendly venue.

Recommended.

Mon 5th Nov, SE5

Latin Night at The Junction 171 Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9PA, 8pm11pm, Free With an accomplished band conjuring up some groovy Latin tunes, this affordable, independent boozer looks a good bet to start off the week.

powerful emotional ground, interspersed with plenty of self-deprecating humour.

Weds 7th Nov, SW9

Raka at Cafe Cairo 88 Landor Road, SW9 9PE, 8.30pm, £4 Playing lively traditional music from the Balkans, a stripped-down Raka perform at the splendid Cafe Cairo every first Weds of the month.

Sat 3rd Nov, SW4

Dreader Than Bread at Bread & Roses 68 Clapham Manor Street, Clapham, SW4 6DZ, 9pm-midnight, Free Dreader Than Bread sees Stephen T and guests spinning vinyl reggae classics and rarities from the 1960s-2010s in this Trade Union-owned pub.

Sat 3rd Nov, SE1

Ministry of Sound Halloween Party 103 Gaunt Street, Elephant & Castle, SE1 6DP, 11pm - 6am, £26 Soulful house hawkers Groove Odyssey return to Baron Palumbo’s gaff to dispense a tailor-made set of classics and lesser-known dust-shakers, while CJ Makintosh busies himself with eclectic fusions of disco and house.

Sun 4th Nov, SW2

Soul Hi-Fi at White Horse 94 Brixton Hill, Brixton, SW2 1QN, 7pm10.30pm, Free Wind down from the weekend with a soulful vinyl selection on t’Hill, with DJs serving up hangover-soothing Motown, funk, soul and reggae.

Sun 4th Nov, SW2

Sunday Jam at the Hand In Hand

6 November 2018

Weds 7th Nov, SE1

Stella Donnelly at Omeara 6 O’Meara Street, SE1 1TE, 7.30pm, £9 Upcoming Australian singer-songwriter Stella Donnelly caused a stir with her debut cassette release, with her everyday observational lyrics drawing drawing comparisons with Billy Bragg and Courtney Barnett. Her live shows furthered her growing reputation, covering

South London Scum at Hand In Hand 61 New Park Road, Streatham Hill, SW2 4LA, 5pm-1am, £5 South London Scum serve up an evening of lively top tappers and swing-yourpants punk with an almighty nine band bill including Left For Dead, Werecats, Scum System Kill, Binge Drinker and Apocalypse Addiction.

There’s also a vegan benefit cafe to top up your pogo energy levels.

Sat 10th Nov, SE15

Dusty Groove at Canavan’s Peckham Pool Club 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4NF, 9pm-4am, £7 Stamp the Wax Co founder Aaron L is the head honcho of the decks at Peckham’s finest pool hall-cum-bar, backed by slideradjusting residents Janix and Dempsey who’ll be percolating deep and groovy vibes.

Tue 6th Nov, SW9

Tuesday Night Jazz Special at Club 414 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, 10pm-2am, £5/£10 This new weekly Tuesday Jazz Special at Club 414 is hosted by The Bukky Leo Quartet, who invite ’competent’ instrumentalist and vocalists to join them on stage to and throw some suitably jazzy shapes. There’s also wonderful Caribbean food cafe upstairs if you get peckish.

Sat 10th Nov, SW2

Fri 16th Nov, SW8

Dam Fino at The Cavendish Arms 128 Hartington Road, SW8 2HJ, 7pm, £7.70 This Underground Sound night shuffles up no less than four indie acts into the intimate surroundings of The Cavendish Arms, with the riff-laden duo, Dam_Fino, headlining the show. Support comes from The Kanz, Molly Karloff, The Surfin’ Birds.

Fri 16th Nov, SE5

Live Bands at The Joiners Arms 35 Denmark Hill, Camberwell, SE5 8RS, 7pm, £6 There’s a punky-pop packed bill of four bands being fashioned in this traditional Camberwell boozer, with the much travelled Junior Battles from Toronto headlining. Also taking their turn to shuffle on to the pint-sized stage is anthemdispensing The Run Up from Bristol, the rabble-rousing Triple Sundae from the south coast and indie-popsters Live, Do Nothing from the home of Brains beer, Cardiff.

Sat 10th Nov, SW16

Fri 9th Nov, SW2

The Majestic at Effra Social 89 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF, 9pm1am, Free Festival favourites The Majestic bring their brand of feel-good Roots Rock Reggae to this beautifully time-warped Brixton venue, which feels like Brixton’s answer to The Winchester Club. Keeping the floor moving faster than Terry’s boxing gloves will be a tag team of indie/dance/rock DJs taking over from the band at 11pm till close.

Uncle Frank at Hideaway 2 Empire Mews, Streatham, SW16 2BF, 9pm, £15 Frank Benbini, one third of the legendary Fun Lovin’ Criminals, brings his groove and breaks laden Uncle Frank band to Hideaway ahead of the launch of their third album ‘Soul On The Battleground’.

How does it all sound?

Bandmate Huey Morgan suggests, “Imagine Teddy Pendergrass’ and Janis Joplin’s love-child delivered by Jack Black.” Which sounds a bit messy.

Sat 10th Nov, SE11

Sun 11th No, SW2

Oozing gloop at Duckie Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY, 9pm-2am, £6 Described by the Guardian as “Britain’s strangest, greatest club night,” Duckie remains a wonderfully offbeat mix of quirky cabaret, drag acts and classic pop, attracting a fiercely loyal and appreciative gay/mixed crowd. On the decks, the Readers Wives DJs keep the indie-pop hits coming while Norfolk’s very own self styled ‘Trans-aggressive tarot card reader and tattooist,’ Oozing Gloop, provides the offbeat entertainment.

No Frills Sunday Session at The Windmill 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton SW2 5BZ, 7pm, Free With the hard drinking No Frills Band at the helm, this jaunty, round-the-table candlelit session invites musicians of all abilities to join in with new and traditional songs.

Like a musical Whicker’s World without the airfare or cavity searches, feel free to sing along to globally sourced tunes.

Fri 16th Nov, SE27

Indie-dance Party at The Railway Tavern 7 Station Rise, Tulse Hill, SE27 9BW, 9pm-2am, Free New LGBT-friendly indie-dance party at this lovely Tulse Hill boozer packing a huge garden and drinking huts, with DJs spinning monster pop hits and indie smashes mixed up with Motown, disco and electro.

Free all night.

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November 2018 7

Brixton Buzz

Gig guide

Wed

7th

We’ve no idea what ‘forward-thinking club music’ sounds like, but there’s plenty on offer here as DJs solemnly pledge to stitch together the undergrounds of New York, New Jersey and London in a swirly mass of percussive dancehall, hip hop, r&b, afrobeats and grime. Platter rotators include Princess, Geiger and DJonny.

Thurs 29th Nov, SE27

November

Brass Band Thurs at The Railway Tavern 7 Station Rise, Tulse Hill, SE27 9BW, 9pm-1am, Free If you love a good parp and a toot, the Railway will be showcasing a “conveyor belt of one of London’s most entertaining brass bands every single week.“

Sat 17th Nov, SW16

Shaq Attack at The White Lion 234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB, 7pm-1am, Free DJ Shaq D from Mi-Soul Radio brings the soulful, shoe-shuffling vibes to this community boozer in Stratham with support from Jazzy Gman of London Soul Radio.

Fri 30th Nov, SW11

Fris at the Clapham Grand 21-25 St John’s Hill, Clapham, SW11 1TT, 10pm-3am, £10 Get ready to sweep, strut and sashay in the direction of the dancefloor and bust out your finest hip-thrusts to an uncomplicated amalgam of crowdpleasing party classics, with house DJs spinning Hip-Hop to House, Disco to R&B.

Sat 17th Nov , SW4

Pandora’s Box at Fu Manchu 15 Lendal Terrace, Clapham, SW4 7UX, 5pm-3am, £10 This new weekly residency churns out commercial anthems, R’n’B, Old Skool & club classics in this curious mix of a champagne-shunting dim sum restaurant and nightclub named after a fictional Chinese homicidal maniac.

Fri 30th Nov, SW8

The Beatdown at Fire Arch 39 - 43 Parry Street, Vauxhall SW8 1RT, 10pm, £14 There’s an all star cast of beat deliverers plying their trade under the arches, with the line-up including a DJ set from Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), plus Stanton Warriors, Bushwacka!, Taiki Nulight, MARTEN HØRGER, Dub Pistols Soundsystem DJ set, The Freestylers and the Slamboree Soundsystem.

Sun 18th Nov, SW9

Bucky Jo album launch at JAMM 261 Brixton Road, Brixton, SW9 6LH, 6pm-midnight, £12.50 Brixton artist Bucky Jo releases his debut reggae album “Reverence,” with support from Sir Allan Brando, Mr Mighty, Ras Wonder and Sarah C.

Talib Kweli at Electric Brixton

Town Hall Parade, Brixton, SW2 1RJ, 7pm-11pm, £27 Brooklyn-born hip hop recording artist, entrepreneur, and social activist, Talib Kweli returns to Brixton for a headline set at the Electric. Kwelie earned recognition early on through his collaboration with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def, when they formed the group Black Star. Kweli’s musical career continued with solo success including collaborations with producers and rapper royalty such as Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Pharrell Williams.

Fri 23rd Nov, SE15 Weds 21st Nov, SW2

New York Brass Band at Blues Kitchen 40 Acre Lane, Brixton, SW2 5SP, 7pm, Free Brass-honking venue regulars the Old Dirty Brasstards are back with an unusual evening ‘reinterpreting’ the Arctic Monkeys’ debut album, ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.’ Delivered via the medium of a 10-piece brass band, expect your ears to flap to raucous brassy bangers like ‘I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor.’

Kaizen Klub at The Bussey Building 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST, 11pm-5am, £10 Don of all things Dubstep, Techno & Bass, Tectonic boss Pinch joins Berlin-based Hugo Massien to whip up a storm of repetitive beats till the wee hours of the morning.

Sat 24th Nov, SW9

Britpop to Beyonce at Market House 443 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LN, 10pm-3am, £5 There’s going to be another jam-packed night upstairs at the Market House as DJ Editor and Jizzy Rascal pump out their trademark category-catapulting selections of dance zingers and pop tunes to keep the floor bouncing like an extra-springy Zebedee after a WD40 bath.

Thurs, 22nd Nov, SW9

Live music at Brown Derby 336 Kennington Park Road, Oval SE11 4PP, 8pm, Free Unspecified ‘live jazz and blues artists’ bring the music to this stylish, retrothemed boozer right next to Oval tube station.

Fri 23rd Nov, SE27

David Stubbs at Book & Record Exchange 20 Norwood High St, SE27 9NR, 7.30pm1.30am, Free Esteemed music writer tells his story in this former pub turned record store/venue.

Stubbsy joined the Melody Maker in 1986, and went on to write for The Guardian, NME, The Wire and Uncut, penning books on Jimi Hendrix, Eminem, the footballer Charlie Nicholas and his latest tome, ‘Mars By 1980 - The Story of Electronic Music.’ After the chat, DJ King Michael gets jiggy on the decks.

8 November 2018

Tucked away in Atlantic Road, Courtesan’s striking interior recalls a backstreet Shanghai bar from the 1920s.

Serving as a dim sum restaurant during the day, the venue transforms into an artistic speakeasy at night, hosting cabaret, live music, and club nights.

This week, the fabulously named, visually striking and award-scooping Lilly Snatchdragon takes a swirl.

Sat 24th Nov, SE17 Sat 24th Nov, SW16

Polar Bears Can Dance at Pratts & Payne 103 Streatham High Road, SW16 1HJ, 9pm-2am, Free DJs every Sat night, serving up soul, disco, funk and reggae in this retro chic bar stocked with lovely real ales.

Sat 24th Nov, SW9

Burlesque at Courtesan 69-73 Atlantic Road, Brixton SW9 8PU, 10.30pm, Free

school mixed Brixton crowd. It’s open till late and a big hit with locals.

Monday 26th Nov, SE5

Folk Jam at The Old Dispensary 325 Camberwell New Road, SE5 0TF, 8pm-1am, Free Small, friendly, affordable and unfussy, this traditional Irish boozer is the perfect setting for a spirited folk jam where anyone can join in with the band and sing, strum, rattle or parp to their heart’s content. The later the night, the rowdier it gets!

Thurs 29th Nov, SE24

Onipa at Hootananny 95 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF, 9pm3am, £5 Headliners Onipa skilfully mash up deep afrofuturist grooves, electronics and fierce dance energy, while Kasai Masai brings the high-energy urban Afro funk to the Hoot. Sax/keys player Andy V teams up with frontman and founder of Italian band Shanti Powa, Berise to shuffle up a full pack of up-tempo reggae, soul, Latin & jazzy grooves. Also on the bill is purveyors of carnival vibes, Mango Park, with Fruit Palace DJs mixing up a cocktail of feelgood reggae, afrobeat, Latin & bass.

Rumble at Off The Cuff 301-303 Railton Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0JN, 8pm-11pm, Free Saaaarf Landahn MC Rumble cut her teeth in the Bristol grime scene, MCing over the tunes of Khan, Comodo and Gantz. Tonight, she’s backed by the swaggering EM x M3 and Island Girl.

No Bad Days at Corsica Studios 5 Farrell Court, Elephant & Castle, SE17 1LB, 11pm-6am, £10 If dancing to thumping, melodic house music is your thing, get yourself down to Corsica Studios for the final No Bad Days soirée of 2018 featuring Project Pablo, Suzanne Kraft b2b, D.K, Violet and more.

Fri 30th November, SW9

Sun 25th Nov, SW9

Grass Roots Live Music at Club 414 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, 10pm-3am, Free/donations Expect a night of live uplifting blues, reggae and ska in front of a busy, old

Fri 30th Nov, SW2

Thurs 29th Nov, SE15

Tender 001 at Four Quarters 187 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4TP, 7.30pm-1am, Free

Night Slugs vs Principe at Phonox 418 Brixton Rd, Brixton, SW9 7AY, 9.30pm-4AM, £10 Claiming to be “London’s most forwardthinking and distinctive club night and imprint,” , Night Slugs team up with their Portuguese equivalent as the Principe crew shimmy in to SW9, and unpack their African-influenced raucous beats.

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November 2018 9

10 November 2018

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Well worth the weight

What’s a forward-facing fatso? You’ll find out at artist Scottee’s new Southbank Centre show, Fat Blokes, a performance centred around “bad fatties.” The artist is combining his signature take on dance with an exploration of why fat men are shown as funny but not sexy, perpetually the ‘before’ but never the ‘after’ shot, writes Laura Burgoine...

Made in collaboration with renowned choreographer Lea Anderson and several plussized male performers, including Scottee, Fat Blokes is a show about pent up aggression and a form of fat rebellion. “It’s a riotous show about bad fatties, like me!” Scottee said. “A call to arms for those of us who don’t intend to diet despite television doctors telling us our fat bodies are embarrassing.”

The artist has been trying to make the show for a long time.

“I look at fatness, working class identity, and what it is to navigate the world like me,” Scottee told the Weekender. “An ongoing theme in my life is that in public spaces people feel they can throw things at me or ridicule me and I started to wonder whether this was a shared experience. Fatness is the opening gambit to make fun of me.”

After putting out an open call for other men, Scottee assembled a cast of five. “This is a protest piece, an angry rebuttal about what it is to be fat and working class, fat and violent, fat and body confident, fat and a person of colour,” he said. “We’re a capital threat.

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Weight loss is funded by people with vested interests. These businesses keep us in a state of limbo. This isn’t about fat pride, it’s about body autonomy. We don’t go up to people smoking on the street and tell them off.

Where does it stop? Being fat is complicated and the world could ease off a bit.”

Scottee sees his success as a product of socialism. “I came from an estate, was expelled from school at 13, and I did workshops and started working in the arts. There are people who invested in me and didn’t write me off and I’m a product of that,” he said. “I’m offering my story because I was the kid who didn’t think opportunity would come his way.”

“This isn’t just a show for fat people,” Scottee continued. “It’s for anyone who has to second guess themselves before they leave the house. It’s not body positivity. It’s some form of selfacceptance.”

Fat Blokes is at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, from November 8-11.

Admission: £18.

Phone: 020 3879 9555. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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Arts

OXJAM CLAPHAM RETURNS

F

estival season might feel like a distant memory but autumn means the return of Oxjam, a month of nationwide live music events founded by Oxfam that aim to raise awareness and funds to fight poverty here in the UK and around the world, all whilst providing a platform for up and coming local musicians to showcase their talents, writes Laura Burgoine...

Oxjam Clapham will take over multiple venues around Clapham High Street on Saturday 10 November with a dynamic line-up of fresh, emerging talent. Confirmed venues include The Bread and Roses, The Sun and The Railway Tavern.

Local hitmakers Caswell, Mee And The Band, The Cold Heart Revue and singersongwriter Lucy May Walker are among the first acts to be confirmed for the one day festival. For the latest news and announcements follow @OxjamClapham on Twitter and Instagram or like our Facebook page.

Limited early bird tickets cost just £7 and standard advance tickets are £10. Tickets will be exchanged for a wristband providing festival access at all participating venues

throughout the day.

All proceeds raised from the day festival go directly to Oxfam and help support development and the fight against poverty in third-world countries, alongside the vital aid for communities suffering in the aftermath of natural disasters.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering for Oxjam Clapham, please email festival manager Dan at dan.oxjamclapham@gmail.com For more information and to buy tickets, please visit the website: oxjamclapham.com

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Theatre

Witches, war and Jimi Hendrix A

lexander Wolfe was born in Cambridge, then moved to Brockley as a baby and has pretty much been there ever since. It was in SE London that he first heard Jimi Hendrix and decided to be a musician, writes Michael Holland...

‘It was always the guitar for me,’ the Brockley Rocker tells me somewhat obviously, as all boys want to be a Rock God, don’t they? ‘When I was a teenager I was into guitar bands,’ he continues, ‘The Stone Roses, The Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin etc... I was drawn to how much personality you can put through the guitar; there’s no ‘wrong’ way to play it - it always felt magical and sexy to me.’

I wanted to know if his parents were supportive of his quest to be the next Jimmy Page and was rather taken aback with the reply: ‘I come from a pretty alternative family, my dad is an old hippy, and my mum is a witch… I think they were just relieved I found something that was an outlet.’

Yikes!

Unsurprisingly, Alexander was a naughty kid who dropped out of education and taught himself the guitar. This led to writing and producing: ‘I taught myself to write songs by listening to Dylan and Joni Mitchell, then taught myself to produce records by trial and error.’

Alexander talks of being influenced by Nick Drake and Elliott Smith when he was a ‘lost young man’: ‘They made me feel like someone else felt like I felt.

I always wanted to be that for

someone, to offer them a little window of understanding, to let them know they’re not alone.’

Alexander’s current project is writing and performing the soundtrack for The Trench, a Les Enfants Terrible production that promises great things. ‘Music underscores the whole show,’ begins the composer. ‘I’m on stage with a guitar accompanied by an amazing multi-instrumentalist called James Hastings who plays cello, sax, violin, clarinet and accordion throughout… The score was intended to create a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere for the story-telling to sit on top of.’

The WWI epic is set in the trenches of 1918 where a soldier finds another world beneath the mud and death, which turns into a blur between reality and fantasy, dark and light - Something that Les Enfants Terrible do so very well, as this musician knows very well having collaborated with them before. ‘I’d say it’s the darkest of the LET shows,’ he says. ‘It has a different energy to the others because the subject matter has to be treated with so much reverence; there’s no room for vaudeville stuff. Also having my music running throughout gives it a different personality.’

With a 4th solo album coming out soon and The Trench soundtrack just being released I wondered what he listened to when he’s not ‘working’. ‘I’m around guitar music all day so when I listen for pleasure it needs to be something different to what I do - Kendrick, Earthgang, Pusha T, Frank Ocean, Nas, Childish Gambino…’

To stop the list going on I asked

Alexander if he had anything to add and he told me to ‘Ring your mother, tell her you love her.’

Trust me, my friend, if my mum was a witch I’d be telling her that everyday in order to ward off any curses and spells!

The Trench is on at Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD from 10 October to 17 November.

Times: Tues - Sat 7.30pm; Tues &Sat matinees 3pm.

Special performance Sunday 11 November at 3.00pm. Admission: £20, £16. Phone: 0207 407 0234. www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Middle class mediocrity hung out to dry

Suburbia is laid out cold and lifeless in Hugh Whitemore’s Pack of Lies that tells the true tale of a Soviet spy ring operating in Ruislip in the late ‘50s. Sadly, with foreign criminals and assassins living and operating quite freely in the UK now this seems quaintly dated, writes Michael Holland...

The Jacksons are working at happy family in their humdrum existence. Barbara spends the day plumping cushions to get her home ‘on its best behaviour’, prepping for Bob’s return from work, and worrying about the only blot on their landscape - a daughter who rides on a local boy’s motorbike. The Krogers are Canadian neighbours who seem to be enjoying life much more and their visits are the only excitement in the Jackson household - In reality, I reckon,

12 November 2018

and in this production. That is until Scotland Yard ask if they can use their home to observe the Krogers! This collaboration with the authorities completely throws out the Jacksons’ suburban routine, and detrimentally affects Barbara who has to keep up a pretence with her friends while knowing they are being watched from her home. She still, however, has the brainwashed mind to ask if Bob wants cocoa or tea for his nightcap.

It is a real slow burn production and at times comes across as a spoof of the 1950s’ ‘red under the bed’ mentality. And is it any wonder with lines like ‘The KGB don’t use violence overseas’ eliciting sniggers from an audience struggling not to cry out Panto style: ‘What about Salisbury?’

Each boring aspect of the Jacksons’ mundane life is spelled out, from what the daughter has

in her bedroom to how the wife transfers milk into a jug for tea because ‘bottles on the table are so common’. Poison me now, please.

For me the best part was Jasper Britton’s Stewart, who brought some ironic humour to the play - though I guess it was initially not meant when written; and Tracy-Ann Oberman as Helen Kroger.

During the most tedious speeches my mind drifted to the set that included a Magic Robot game, and a black car that served no real purpose at all, other than to show off a vintage car sourced for no real purpose at all.

On the upside Pack of Lies is ideally timed to soak up the fallout from recent new Cold War events, plus all involved do what they are directed to do.

Points of interest are that Finty Williams is reprising her mother Judy Dench’s role as

Barbara Jackson, for which she won the Olivier; and that TracyAnn Oberman killed Dirty Den. Other than that Pack of Lies is a presentation on how miserable middle-class life can be in the suburbs.

Pack of Lies is on at the Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU until 17 November at 8pm and Saturday matinees at 3.30pm. Admission: £32.50 - £50.

Phone: 0207 378 1713. www.menierchocolatefactory.com

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Countdown to Christmas

Countdown 2018 to Christmas Our handpicked festive guide to what’s on around Lambeth & Southwark

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Countdown to Christmas

2018

By Laura Burgoine

Christmas Market at The Southbank The Crafty Fox market and wreath making at Vauxhall City Farm

GIVE ‘EM THE OLD RAZZLE DAZZLE

Annual jewellery exhibition Dazzle is back, hosting its biggest ever crop of young makers, handpicked from the 2018 graduate shows and showcased in an 80-strong, international line up of some of contemporary jewellery’s biggest names.

The famous pop-up exhibition is selling over 4,000 hand-made pieces for men and women, in every conceivable style and material, from classic to quirky, pearls to plastic, by more than 80 international designers across all price ranges. They are joined by the annual Dazzle Extras section of hand-made accessories, which include Green Thomas lambswool scarves designed and made in Scotland, and Steven Harkin and Susan O’Byrne wallhung ceramic animals. The perfect place for unique Christmas gift shopping, all under one iconic roof, within the buzzing, creative, designer hub that is the iconic Oxo Tower Wharf.

November 11-January 6 from 11am-7pm.

Admission: free.

Phone: 020 7021 1686. Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, SE1 9PH www.oxotower.co.uk

A CHRISTMAS COMEDY

Pasek and Paul’s A Christmas Story, the Musical receives its European Premier at Waterloo East Theatre this Christmas. The song-writing team behind smash-hit Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and Academy Award-winning films La La Land and The Greatest Showman are bringing the ‘80s holiday movie to life on stage. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the story follows young Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the Christmas gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. With a delightful versatile score ranging from gentle ballads to show-stopping numbers A Christmas Story is a musical for the whole family.

November 28-December 23 at Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, SE1 8TN. Admission: £23/£20 concession/£55 family.

Phone: 0207 928 0060. www.waterlooeast.co.uk

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FOX HUNTING

Crafty Fox Market has a new popup at Elephant and Castle’s Mercato Metropolitano on the first Saturday of every month. There’s a new line-up of traders and workshops and it’s also a dog friendly venue. Saturday 1 December from 11am-5pm. Admission: free.

40-42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR. The Crafty Fox is also hosting a Christmas market in Brixton, downstairs at the Department Store. There’s a different line-up of trader each day, a bar, DJs, and drop-in workshops.

December 15-16 at 11am-5pm at 248 Ferndale Road, SW9 8FR

MARKET SEASON

Eat, drink and be merry beside the River Thames at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market. Expect seasonal goodies, sparkling lights, mulled wine and feel-good festive vibes. Top traders from around the world bring an array of handmade festive goodies and delicious street food with stalls offering Asian, Indian and Greek cuisines, traditional winter favourites like raclette and bratwurst, and sweet treats including waffles and pancakes.

November 9-December 27 at 11am-10pm. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

SOUTHBANK IMP

Catch the UK premiere of this retelling of beloved family fairy tale Rumplestiltskin, reimagined with lashings of magical mayhem, rocking music and supreme silliness. In this groundbreaking theatrical spectacle, audiences can wonder at the visually stunning costumes, hypermodern set and larger-than-life characters.

Underneath the lavish exterior lies a vital lesson on the price of greed and revenge, and how love triumphs over hate. The mercurial Australian singer and cabaret legend Paul Capsis stars as a shapeshifting imp whose thirst for vengeance may well undo him. He joins the team behind the award-winning Pinocchio.

December 13-January 6 at Queen Elizabeth Hall. £20-£40. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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GOLDEN AGE CIRCUS

Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus this Christmas. Fresh from the Paris Theatre in Las Vegas, Circus 1903 visits Southbank Centre for its European premiere. The show includes sensational life-sized elephants stunningly created by puppeteers from War Horse, putting elephants back in the ring as never before.

There’s also a huge cast of jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all corners of the globe. Featuring acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, trapeze and high-wire performers and more, this show captivates and transports audiences of all ages to the golden age of circus. December 19-January 5. Admission: £25-£99.50.

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WREATH

Due to popular demand, Vauxhall City Farm’s Christmas wreath-making course is back for a third year. People can make a wreath using natural foliage and a range of trimmings from orange slices and ribbons to cinnamon sticks, pine cones, berries and baubles. Whatever your style, let your imagination run wild and leave with a beautiful and unique festive wreath and the feel-good factor of knowing that all profits from the workshops go towards supporting the farm’s work for the local community.

Each workshop lasts two hours and includes a mince pie and refreshments

whilst you perfect your masterpiece.

December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS. Admission: £19.95. www.vauxhallcityfarm.org

NIGHT BEFORE

Anthony Neilson’s anarchic, anti-festive black comedy the Night Before Christmas is being revived for the first time by director Alex Sutton with an all-star cast at Southwark Playhouse. It’s Christmas Eve. Gary’s not feeling the Christmas spirit.

He’s promised his son some Power Ranger figures but he hasn’t quite found the time to deliver them, and now his ex-wife is on the attack. And that’s not even the worst of it. Some tiny idiot has broken into his warehouse and Gary is pretty sure this isn’t just a festive coincidence. With no-one else but his grouchy pal Simon to help him decide what to do, could Christmas be cancelled forever? This is an un-merry extravaganza jam-packed with drugs, debauchery and dirty jokes, all rolled in glitter. A brilliantly dark mash up of South Park and Miracle on 34th Street by way of Scrooged, Gary’s story unfolds as he grapples with a big (or actually quite little) secret that may well save him and, more importantly, Christmas itself.

November 28-December 29 at 8pm (3:30pm matinees) at Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD. Admission: £20/£16 concessions/ £12 previews.

Phone: 020 7407 0234. southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

SILENT NIGHT

The Shard’s Silent Disco is back. Grab a drink from the bar, put on a set of headphones and dance the night away, above the clouds. Pick your channel and choose your side as three DJs battle it out over separate wireless channels, playing the best in pop, rock and party classics while you take in sweeping panoramas of London at your feet. December 1-8.

Admission: £37.50. www.theviewfromtheshard.com

WHAT THE DICKENS

Matthew Warchus’ smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol is returning to the Old Vic for an encore run. Music, merriment, mince pies, and the ghosts of Christmas past combine in this magical show.

Recommended for ages 8 and upwards.

Previews begin on November 27.

Admission: £12-£67.50. www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/achristmas-carol-2

GIANT STEP FOR MANKIND

This festive season, step into a theatrical world where giants are your neighbours and a once beautiful garden is stuck in everlasting winter. Explore an extraordinary friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when spring finally Continues on page 19

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Countdown to Christmas

2018

comes. Following last year’s Offie awardwinning Christmas show, Omnibus Theatre presents an enchanting new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated short story The Selfish Giant. In a heart-warming reimagining, the play combines captivating storytelling with spellbinding puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of festive magic.

Grinter is a giant. She lives happily alone in her huge cold house, surrounded by her huge snowy gardens, enclosed by her high, frost-covered walls. She shuts out the world, because long ago, the world shut her out, and so she hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home. Outside the towering walls of her enormous garden, the world has been changing and there is very little green left. One day, the children – tired of playing on hard roads and grey rooftops – find a gap in the giant’s wall and climb through, changing the course of the children’s and Grinter’s lives forever. For schools and larger group bookings please contact Ellen Wilson on practitioner@omnibus-clapham.org The Selfish Giant is at Omnibus, 1 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 0QW from November 28-December 24. 11am and 2pm weekends, 10:30am and 1:30pm weekdays. Admission £10 adults, £8 concessions. www.omnibus-clapham.org

LOWE-HO-HO

What better Christmas gift than a night with Hollywood heartthrob Rob Lowe? The chiselled actor is bringing his hit one-man show to the Southbank Centre, where he’ll share stories with the audience about his four decade career –from the Outsiders to his ‘80s Brat Pack days to the West Wing and Parks and Recreation. Drawing from his two best-selling memoirs, Rob promises no topics are off limits: Hollywood, fame, fatherhood and marriage.

Royal Festival Hall, on Saturday 1 December at 7:30pm.

Admission: £40-£180.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Join the Choir of the Chapels Royal at the Tower of London for a feast of traditional carols and readings for the Christmas season. In the candlelit intimacy of the Tudor Chapel Royal of St Peter and Vincula, experience living history with one of the nation’s finest chapel choirs.

December 8, from 6pm-7pm and 8pm-9pm.

Tickets: £20.

CATHEDRAL CANDLELIGHT CAROLS

Sing your favourite festive songs in a setting with an unbeatable atmosphere.

The Feed the Minds’ annual carol concert at Southwark Cathedral is a mix of classic singalong carols alongside beautiful performances by the renowned Quorum Chamber Choir, all in the majestic setting.

Proceeds go to support the charity’s work helping people living in extreme poverty to get a new start at life. Every year the concert sells out with over 600 seats so don’t miss out and get your tickets early before they go.

Tuesday 11 December at 7:30pm.

Admission: £10-£32 with a mulled wine and mince pie reception included. www.feedtheminds.org/get-involved/carolconcerts-2018/southwark/

Circus at the Southbank, Selfish Giant at Omnibus Theatre and Rob Lowe at the Southbank Centre

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

The Tower of London comes alive this Christmas with all the seasonal fun and festivities of the Victorian era. New tastes have seen the Tower transformed into a gothic monument to the history of Britain, and countless visitors flock to enjoy the Crown Jewels, arms and armour and sinister dungeons. Discover how modern impressions of Christmas and the Tower were shaped in the era of Dickens and Queen Victoria. December 27-31 from 11am-3pm.

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Gifts for her, him & the kids

White Moss & Snowdrop Cologne, Jo Malone London £96 www.jomalone.co.uk

Hogwarts personalised gift trunk, Platform 9 3/4 £59 www.harrypotterplatform934.com

Tropical Paradise Candle, National Theatre Bookshop £30 www.shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Sleep Power Travel Kit, Thisworks, £50 www.thisworks.com

Moomin Children’s Tableware Set, Tate Shop, £27.50 www.shop.tate.org

Rouge Allure Velvet No5, Chanel, £31 www.chanel.com

London at War 1939-45 , Imperial War Museum Shop, £25 www.iwmshop.org.uk

Glitz Bath Fizzers, M&S, £7.50 www.marksandspencer.com

Sky-Watcher Infinity-76p Telescope, Royal Museums Greenwich Shop, £45 www.shop.rmg.co.uk

Noel Candle, 67g Crabtree & Evelyn, £16 www.crabtree-evelyn.com

Unicorn Milk, Being by Sanctuary, £15 www.boots.com

Two Way Insect Finder, Muddy Puddles, £8.95 www.muddypuddles.com

Brass Pyramid Terrarium, Royal Museums Greenwich Shop, £30 www.shop.rmg.co.uk

Bougie Baume d’Ambre 70g, Diptyque, £30 www.diptyqueparis.co.uk

Rocking Whisky Glass Set, Royal Museums Greenwich Shop, £20 www.shop.rmg.co.uk

Moisturising hand cream, Paul & Joe, £11 www.asos.com

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S

outhwark Park is transforming into Wonderland this winter with a rabbit hole, flamingo croquet, and a Mad Hatter’s tea party to boot. After dark, the park is being lit up with twinkle lights as 35 handmade lanterns of Lewis Carrol’s famous characters bring the quintessentially British tale to life.

Organiser Marcus Van Der Gaag described the experience as “immersive.” “There’s a giant chess board, there’s 162 lanterns, between one and seven metres high, and 35 of them are animatronics; their arms and eyes move.”

Alice fans can spy a jabberwocky in the tree, chat to the Cheshire cat, and follow Alice down the rabbit hole.

“Everyone else has always put a Chinese theme on lantern events but Alice in Wonderland is a very English brand, which everyone loves and relates to,” Marcus said.

The organisers worked with local school children who recorded their voices to be played throughout the trail. You can hear students from the Harris Academy, Sacred Heart and Bosco Centre narrating stories along the way. Local school children are also performing Christmas songs on the bandstand.

The event is setting up in the northern section while east and west parts of the park are open during the day, and there’s a path with barriers

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Alice’s winter Wonderland Alice in Winterland Lantern and Light Festival is at Southwark Park, SE16 2TX, from November 21-January 5.

Admission: £15 adult, £9 child, £12 concession and disabled, £5 carer.

around it through the middle of Wonderland where people can walk throughout the day.

The entire walk is 900 metres long with a food and drink stop halfway.

The first half is themed around Alice through the Looking Glass and the second half is Alice in Wonderland.

The lantern trail finishes at the bandstand, opening out to a Santa’s Grotto, a sleigh ride and 20 stalls with one bar, six food stands, Christmas shops, and a teacup ride.

All lights are switched off at 11pm

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with the event running from 3pm10pm each day. “Under 3s are free so parents with young children can come early before the main rush of school-aged children,” Marcus said.

The organisers are offering a 40 percent discount to locals while people who live in the borough of Southwark are entitled to 25 percent off tickets. “We sent out 700 letters to residents to inform them of the discounts. We’re trying to keep the event low cost,”

Marcus said. “We’ve got local traders involved, and schools who perform get free tickets.”

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Theatre & Pantos

Countdown to Christmas

Robin Hood at Theatre Peckham

2018

R

obin Hood and Maid Marion are making their way to Peckham.

This Christmas, Theatre Peckham unveils a reimagined adaptation on the popular children’s classic. Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny is the new artistic director Suzann McLean’s inaugural production since joining in September.

“Robin Hood was a show I codirected at York Theatre Royal and I had lots of young people in that show,” Suzann told the Weekender.

“The writer Richard has rewritten it to make it fit with Christmas and it ends with a big Christmas tree on stage.”

The story begins deep in a long, hungry winter, with villagers of Nottingham who need a hero. As Maid Marian journeys deep into Sherwood Forest to find the arrowshooting adventurer, there’s lots of thrills and surprises along the way.

The production sees Malachi Green, former alumni of the youth theatre, cast in the lead role as Robin, making his professional debut stage performance. “I walked into the theatre one day and Malachi was

perched on the reception desk and I thought ‘you’re Robin Hood.’ Then I auditioned him and all my initial thoughts were right,” Suzann said.

Malachi is joined by Ayanna Christie-Brown as a modern-day

Christmas with no strings attached

Maid Marian, Gustavo Navarro, Geoff Aymer, Terriann Oudja and Ray Newe. Joining the six strong cast on stage will be 40 children who form part of the theatre’s renowned arts education and training programme.

Times are hard and Jack is hungry, and so are Jack’s dads.

Jack has a fantastic idea for making money but things start to

The production is full of the type of fun, mischief and magic that normally only happens when grown-ups turn their backs for a second. Join Geppetto and Pinocchio as they meet all manner of characters: a very shady fox and cat, a performing donkey, a terrible whale who swallows people whole, a talking cricket, and an

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Robin Hood is at Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street, SE5 7SD, from December 4-22.

Admission: Child £7, Adult £12/ Concessions £7/Family £32.

Phone: 020 7708 5401. www.theatrepeckham.co.uk

Pair of Pantos mash-up for all the family at Canada Water Canada Water is hosting A Pair of Pantos, a transpositive, all-genderinclusive, queer pantomime mash-up for all the family and all families.

Jaw dropping circus, hilarious puppets, and a magical set and soundtrack combine in the Albany theatre’s new version of Pinocchio.

“The professional actors are gaining from it too,” Suzann said. “It’s lovely to be in an environment with young people who are really energised.”

Written by award-winning playwright Richard Hurford, this production

introduces young audiences to a contemporary take on the stereotypical characters found in this children’s classic and promises to be a festive treat for all the family with a show packed full of comedy, action, adventure and song. Forget the legends, forget the stories, this Robin Hood is real. “It’s still set in Nottingham, in Sherwood Forest but it has very contemporary music: reggae beats, rap, salsa,” Suzann said.

“This version just really suits Peckham. It’s a great place to be.”

Actor John Boyega, who shot to global game in Star Wars, famously trained at Theatre Peckham and is the school’s patron.

“John Boyega shows young people why it’s important to have an understanding of who you are, and to know that’s accepted in the industry and to really embrace yourself,” Suzann said.

“Theatre Peckham has been enormously successful in producing Christmas productions that have young people at their core. This is a fun-for-all-the-family show with fantastic music.”

go wildly wrong when the sneaky and contradictory King Rat comes along.

Nobody knows which pantomime they’re in, and on top of all this, Jack is trying to get to the bottom of what underwear is right when you’re non-binary. Join us for the twists and turns, laughs and loopholes, confusions and

connections of a fizzy and funny fight for family, identity and fairness.

A Pair of Pantos is at Canada Water Theatre, 21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR, on Friday 21 December, 7pm and Saturday 22 December, 1.30pm and 7pm. Ages 7+. Admission: £12 / £8 concession / £34 family ticket.

anglerfish blues band.

This unmissable family show, from the producers of The Party, has plenty to keep adults entertained and children engaged.

Pinocchio is at the Albany from December 2-29. Ages 3+. Admission: £12 / £8 concessions / £34 family ticket / £8 groups of 10+ (plus every 11th ticket free). Selected performances are relaxed, audio described and BSL interpreted.

Call the Albany or check the website for full schedule

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Pantos

It’s all in front of you!

Audience participation, slapstick, classic stories. Pantomimes are a must during the holiday season.

Check out these London-based productions this winter for a night of family fun or adults’ only content!

Pantomime Hannah Kanik

Beauty and the Beast

Robinson Crusoe

Where: Shaw Theatre When: 8 Dec to 30 Dec Price: from £16 The Shaw Theatre is producing the classic, Beauty and the Beast, for its pantomime this year.

This famous story features ‘pantomime magic, dazzling production numbers’ and jokes for the whole family.

You can purchase tickets here: www.shaw-theatre.com/whats-on/beautyand-the-beast-pantomime

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Where: Greenwich theatre When: 23 Nov to 13 Jan Price: £29 Set sail for adventure at the Greenwich theatre this winter.

Andrew Pollard stars in the classic Robinson Crusoe pantomime and puts on an ‘action-packed adventure’ that will dazzle audiences.

Tickets can be purchased here: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/ robinson-crusoe

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Mother Goose Cracks One Out

Where: Above the Stag Theatre When: 27 Nov – 12 Jan Price: £25 Above the Stag is putting on a ‘fabulously filthy’ pantomime, Mother Goose Cracks One Out, for adult audiences only.

The show runs through the season and is one of London’s biggest and best alternative festive shows.

You can purchase tickets here: https://abovethestag.ticketsolve.com/ shows/873584873/events/128444303

Seussical

Where: Southwark Playhouse When: 22 Nov to 29 Dec Price: £25 Southwark Playhouse will be putting on Seussical the Musical this winter.

Though it is not a pantomime, they are putting on a show for the whole family that includes Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who and many more famous stories from Dr. Seuss.

You can purchase tickets here: https:// southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/seussical

Peter Pan

Where: Richmond Theatre When: 8 Dec to 6 Jan Price: from £12 Robert Lindsay stars as Captian Hook in the classic ‘Peter Pan’ pantomime.

The all-star cast is putting on an unforgettable show featuring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jon Clegg as Smee and Musical veterans Rachel Stanley and Harry Francis.

Get your tickets here: www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/ richmond-theatre

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Pantos Aladdin on Ice

Where: Alexandra Palace When: 7 Dec to 10 Dec Price: £15.50 The magic of Aladdin is coming to the ice rink this winter.

Alexandra Palace is putting on a show full of both experienced and novice ice skaters.

The show is a ‘reimagined’ version of the famous story and will include a mix of traditional and modern music.

You can buy tickets here: www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/ aladdin-on-ice/

Aladdin

Where: Wimbledon Theatre When: 8 Dec to 6 Jan Price: from £16 Lee Ryan is staring in the Wimbledon production of Aladdin.

Paul Merton will be playing Widow Twankey and magician Pete Firman will be on hand to keep the magic alive throughout the show.

There are plenty of show times to choose from. Get your tickets here: www.atgtickets.com/shows/aladdin/newwimbledon-theatre

Jack and the Beanstalk

Where: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch When: 28 November to 6 January Price: from £12.50 Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to the Queen’s theatre Hornchurch for a night full of audience participation and ‘hilarious slapstick.’

Tickets can be purchased here: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Celebrate the festive season at the annual Morley Winter Fair

P

ick up unique, handcrafted gifts for Christmas, enjoy live performances and demonstrations and take part in taster sessions happening throughout the day. Have a glass mulled wine and pick up a mince pie.

Performances by Morley’s staff and students will take place in Morley’s Holst Room with flamenco, Tanzthater, piano and music from the school’s jazz soul band.

The school is also running a number of tasters to excite and inspire. Interested in taking up a subject for the New Year?

Try out a one-hour taster session in bookbinding, Japanese Origami, printmaking, hypnotherapy, embroidery, piano and more. All taster sessions will cost £5. www.morleycollege.ac.uk/

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Advertorial

Advertise your business within our food section Contact Tammy on

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7 Ways to Wellbeing #1 Be Active!

Do you, or someone you care about, wish to be more active, so as to improve your health and wellbeing? We can help - with general exercise programmes, a specialist gym equipped for people with disabilities and with social activities.

Aspire Wellbeing offers adults with short or long term physical disabilities, and individuals with learning disabilities, services and opportunities to improve your overall quality of life, and to gain and regain the skills and abilities that will enable you to live as full and healthy a life as possible.

To discuss how we can support you towards greater wellbeing, please call us on 020 8265 1125 or email health@aspirewellbeing.org

Aspire Wellbeing 1 Park Hall Road, West Dulwich, London SE21 8EH.

34 November 2018

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I

t’s now time to make some real decisions about your future - once you have taken your GCSEs you officially will be an adult, writes Kevin Quinn...

Mum and dad will no longer be responsible for your education, nor will the government; and believe it or not, neither will your teachers.

It will be entirely up to you to decide which path you take - and while everyone including the government is heavily focused on apprenticeships, there will be many of you who will want to follow the traditional academic route.

Of course the results you get at secondary school will to a large extent determine what you do in further education. But now is the time to look at what sixth forms and further education institutes are offering.

Unlike secondary school admissions you have the freedom to go where you like - it does not have to be local - but bear in mind journey times.

You don’t want to be exhausted before you arrive at college!

Being in the final year of your GCSEs, you will have a fair idea of the results you are likely to achieve and make sure that when you call or visit a sixth form or college you find out the exact qualifications you need to get on the courses that you like the look of.

The truth is, if you are really passionate about a course but feel that you might not get the grades, it would be worth thinking about re-sitting. After spending the whole of your life in school you might think that re-sitting any GCSE would be completely out of the question.

However, at your age, making sure that you do something that you feel passionate about and

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enjoy is absolutely vital. Countless people have had to work that bit harder and give something a go twice before they succeed. The experience at sixth form or college will be so different to that at school that you should find the change enough to warrant the extra effort and time it takes to re-sit an examine or start a new one to get on to the course you are ultimately after.

The relationship with most of your teachers will be very different, as they will treat you more like an adult. After all you don’t have to be there - it is your choice. This means that lessons are normally more relaxed and you usually spend more time with smaller groups than you would do at secondary school.

While there is little doubt that A-levels are much harder than GCSEs, the fact that you have fewer subjects and are studying your favourite or best subjects means you will find the self-motivation to get to grips with it.

The work will be much more in depth, but probably more interesting. Essay subjects at A-level are much more about analysis and evaluation than just pure facts. This means that you can no longer get away with having a basic knowledge of a subject and then blagging the exam or just learning reams of facts without actually understanding them.

On the plus side you definitely get more freedom, including free periods (usually eleven or so hours a week), which allows you to plan when and how you work.

As well as the courses, check out the facilities at the sixth forms and colleges you are interested in, as they can help make your whole working environment a better one.

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